Itching for insight

Cell. 2009 Dec 24;139(7):1224-6. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2009.12.012.

Abstract

The itch sensation results from the excitation of primary sensory nerve endings in the skin, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are not completely understood. Liu et al. (2009) now report that some members of the Mrgpr class of G protein-coupled receptors mediate the itch caused by the antimalarial drug chloroquine.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antimalarials / adverse effects
  • Chloroquine / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Pain / physiopathology
  • Pruritus / physiopathology*
  • Sensory Receptor Cells / physiology
  • Skin / innervation

Substances

  • Antimalarials
  • Chloroquine